Aiken, South Carolina travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Aiken is a small city in South Carolina.

5 sights · 2 things to do · 5 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Aiken

Whitehall

a Georgian mansion built in 1928.

Hopelands Gardens

Live oaks, fountains, wetlands, doll house in a bequeathed estate.

Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum

Savannah River Site Tours

Scheduled tours of Savannah River Site. Registration closes two weeks in advance of tour.

Aiken County Historical Museum

Savannah River Site Museum

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 35°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Columbia)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
AGS Augusta Regional At Bush Field, Augusta — 19 mi away. Directions
CAE Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Columbia — 44 mi away. Directions
SAV Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Savannah — 103 mi away (major hub). Directions

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

Places to stay listed here: about $150–$150 a night (typical $172), from 2 listed prices.
Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$190, mid-range ~$250, comfortable ~$320.

See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.

Sample 2-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Aiken County Historical Museum, Savannah River Site Museum, Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum
Afternoon Whitehall, Aiken Steeplechase

Day 2

Morning Savannah River Site Tours
Afternoon Hopelands Gardens

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder